My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?

Direct answer

First a written demand to the landlord with a deadline (14 days is normal) and your bank details — most deposits come back at this stage. If nothing happens, Servicio de mediación en vivienda de tu comunidad (mivau.gob.es) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Spain. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, OCU — Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (ocu.org). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

In Spain the legal deposit is one month (two for non-residential use); the landlord has one month from the return of the keys, after which legal interest accrues.

Call firstServicio de mediación en vivienda de tu comunidad

Report toOCU — Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios

If that failsJuzgado de Primera Instancia — juicio verbal

🗣️ What to say

"My tenancy at [address] ended on [date]. The deposit of €… has not been returned and I have received no itemised deductions. I request the full amount within 14 days to [IBAN]. Otherwise I will take it to Servicio de mediación en vivienda de tu comunidad."

🪜 Step by step

Write, don't callA dated letter or e-mail with the amount, the end date, your bank details and a 14-day deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Collect evidenceThe signed contract, the move-in and move-out inspection reports, photos with dates, and the proof you paid the deposit.
Ask OCU — Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios what appliesWhich deductions are allowed (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) and what is not (repainting, normal wear, cleaning that was not agreed).
File with Servicio de mediación en vivienda de tu comunidadThe rent dispute body or deposit scheme handles this without a lawyer and usually within weeks.
Court as last resortSmall-claims procedures exist for exactly this amount range; the landlord usually pays the costs if you win.

📇 All contacts

Servicio de mediación en vivienda de tu comunidadFree tenant–landlord mediation (where it exists)When the formal notice did not work🔗 www.mivau.gob.es/vivienda

OCU — Organización de Consumidores y UsuariosAdvice on deductions, deadlines and lettersBefore you write🔗 www.ocu.org

Juzgado de Primera Instancia — juicio verbalNo lawyer needed up to €2,000Last step, with the contract and inventories🔗 www.administraciondejusticia.gob.es

❓ Frequently asked

How long may the landlord take?

It varies by country, but "a reasonable time" after a final inspection is usually a few weeks; OCU — Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios knows the exact rule for Spain.

Can the landlord keep it for repainting?

Not for normal wear and tear. Damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent or bills, and cleaning you agreed to do can be deducted — itemised, with receipts.

I have no written contract

You still have a tenancy and still get the deposit back. Bank transfers, messages and witnesses prove the agreement.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔑 My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?